Taiwan’s first-ever capsule rest area debuts at Tai’an Service Area — seven highlights you can’t miss

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family (compiled and reported)
 
The “Tai’an Service Area,” operated by the National Freeway Bureau and commissioned to Uni-President Enterprises, has undergone more than three months of planning and design. With the themes “Mountain Blossoms Amusement Park” and “Floral String Music Hall,” it is divided into north and south sections. In addition to 7-ELEVEN and Starbucks, it also features the first-ever entries on the national freeway such as McDonald’s, Hou Chang, Seafood Dragon, and Eight Directions Gathering, totaling 37 brands.

Uni-President Enterprises has integrated the 3E consumer experience — Experience, Entertainment, and Education — into the management of the mall. The first E, Experience, begins with the renovation of the “Tai’an Service Area.” It introduces Taiwan’s first “capsule rest area” for bus drivers and an “expressway buffet” offering affordable weigh-your-own meals. The space also incorporates elements such as “flowers, forests,” “floral strings, music, and blessings” into its design, filling the service area with a joyful and heartwarming atmosphere reminiscent of blooming mountain flowers.

To create a better dining and resting environment, a diverse range of brand stalls including food and beverage, coffee, fast food, convenience stores, and local specialties have been introduced. The 7-ELEVEN outlet offers premium coffee and utilizes the chain’s pre-order resources to bring in regional delicacies, such as Miaoli A-Cai Fa Ji (exclusive to the expressway service area) and Taichung Dongquan Chili Sauce — a total of 19 brands and 73 products — aiming to deliver a holistic mind-body-spirit experience for highway travelers.

The second E stands for Entertainment. As a rest stop for travelers coming from all directions, the Tai’an Service Area has introduced Taiwan’s first “expressway family dining area” with small tables and chairs, allowing families to enjoy meals together. For business travelers, it has created a “scenic viewpoint mobile office” offering Wi-Fi and charging services, where you can sip coffee while overlooking the Huoyan Mountain scenery. To cater to Muslim travelers, it has also launched Taiwan’s first “Muslim prayer room” on Freeway No. 1, providing a diverse range of services for road users.

Finally, the third E is Education. The area introduces Taiwan’s first “food safety lab,” equipped with rapid screening devices and staffed by dedicated health management specialists who ensure ingredient safety daily, creating the best possible 3E experience for consumers.